A Special MP/MLA court in Darbhanga, Bihar, ordered the immediate imprisonment of BJP MLA Mishrilal Yadav and his associate, Suresh Yadav, handing them three months behind bars.
The verdict, delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Suman Kumar Diwakar, also upheld a ₹500 fine for each of the accused.
Appeal Dismissed, Custody Enforced
Earlier this year, in February 2025, the same court, presided over by Special Judge-cum-Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Karuna Nidhi Prasad Arya, had convicted both men for “voluntarily causing hurt” to one Umesh Mishra. Alongside the custodial sentence, they were fined ₹500 apiece.
Following that decision, Mishrilal Yadav filed an appeal seeking relief from the sentence. However, on May 23, Judge Diwakar refused the plea and directed that Yadav and Suresh Yadav be taken into judicial custody without delay. Assistant Public Prosecutor Renu Jha confirmed that both men were arrested and sent to jail immediately, and that the case will reconvene on May 27.
Incident From January 2019
The legal proceedings stem from an altercation outside Umesh Mishra’s home on January 29, 2019. Mishra’s complaint alleged that the MLA and his associates assaulted him without provocation. After a thorough trial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict Yadav and his associate of voluntarily inflicting injuries on Mishra.
MLA’s Response
As he was being escorted into custody, Mishrilal Yadav addressed the media, stating, “I had filed an appeal against the February order of the MP/MLA court, which was rejected by the court today. I respect the verdict of the court.” He added that he had also sought a pardon from the same court the previous day, but his plea was not entertained.
Broader Implications
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s readiness to hold elected officials accountable for criminal conduct. Despite his legislative position, Mishrilal Yadav faces the same legal consequences as any other citizen once found guilty of wrongdoing.
The forthcoming hearing on May 27 will address any procedural matters and may revisit aspects of sentencing or fines, but for now, the MLA remains behind bars.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the principle that public office does not confer immunity from the law—a reminder that legal checks apply uniformly, irrespective of political stature.
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